O-Week/Torero Days
Freshman year begins with Torero Days, a four day orientation to everything USD.

The Hoedown
Hundreds of USD alumni claim they met their spouse or best friends at the surprise event during O-Week/Torero Days.

Finals Feeding Frenzy
Each semester the night before finals begin, the Student Alumni Association and alumni volunteers treat hundreds of students to a massive free buffet at the Degheri Alumni Center.

Brunch at the Caf
The only time Toreros can get both an omelette and french fries is at the weekend brunches at the cafeteria. Everyone walks away pleased and usually bring an extra bagel for their sleeping roommates.

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Caf

Blue Fridays
Every Friday, students, faculty and staff wear their Torero Blue to show school pride and give support to the Torero Athletic teams playing that weekend. We encourage alumni to wear blue on Friday’s wherever you may work or play.

Preceptorial Class and Faculty Preceptors
Every freshman at USD has a preceptorial class with a faculty preceptor, preceptorial assistant (student) and recently added an alumni preceptor. The faculty preceptor acts as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition into the academic life at USD and assists throughout the process of declaring a major.

Mass in Founders Chapel
For thousands of alumni, Founders Chapel is the most beloved space on USD’s campus. Our beautiful chapel continues to build memories for alumni who get married at Founders.

TGs (aka Keggers in the Canyon)
A popular tradition for students from the 1970’s and 1980’s, Keggers in the Canyon took place on Friday afternoons and were the social event of the day.

Sunset and Fireworks from IPJ/West Point Field
Although West Point Field is now home of the Kroc Institute of Peace & Justice, Torero’s still enjoy the sunset and Sea World fireworks from the Garden by the Sea overlooking Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Getting Involved at the Alcala Bazaar
Every fall, hundreds of USD students get involved with student organizations at the Alcala Bazaar.

Festival of Lights
A relatively new tradition started by Lambda Chi and Associated Students, the Festival of Lights kicks off our Torero holiday spirit with a Christmas Tree lighting, pictures with Santa and Christmas Carols.

Alumni Christmas Mass
Every December, hundreds of alumni celebrate their faith in Founders Chapel with the annual Christmas mass.

Mass of the Holy Spirit
In keeping with a long tradition dating from the founding of the great European universities in the Middle Ages, USD celebrates the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the start of each academic year. During the liturgy we ask for the inspiration, guidance, and presence of God's Spirit on all of our campus activities. This festive event gathers the entire University community together to rededicate ourselves to USD’s mission, to renew friendships, and to welcome new members.

Founders Day
Founders Day is November 12th (the feast of St. Didicus, Latin form of the Spanish, San Diego). Founders Day celebrates our beloved founders, Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill and Bishop Charles Frances Buddy.

Greek Week

“Study” Sessions at The Pennant and Beachcomber
No USD experience is complete without a “study session” at two of our favorite student hangouts, the Pennant and Beachcomber.

Midnight Scream Before Finals
Toreros traditionally let out their stress every midnight before finals begin.

Riding the Coaster at Mission Beach
Enough said!

The Airport “Pick-up”
A tradition between the 1960’s – 1980’s, USD upperclassmen would “pick up” incoming freshman students at the San Diego airport. Many alumni claim they met their spouse during such “pickups” over the years.